Other Professional Licenses  >  Land Surveyor License Defense

Defending Land Surveyors

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent land surveyors in license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, accusations, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters.  Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results.  Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage.  Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our attorneys.

Defending Land Surveyors in Situations from Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BPELS) license matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend land surveyors in all disciplinary situations, including:

• Discipline for criminal convictions.
• License denial for criminal convictions.
• Errors in finding, setting and recording monuments.
• Negligence complaints.
• Failure to sign and seal land surveys.
• Defective contracts or contracts missing required legal terms.
• Fraud and misrepresentation.
• Citations for unlicensed land surveyor work.
• Failure to comply with citations.
• Cease and desist letters.
• Unprofessional conduct.
• Discipline against out-of-state land surveyor licenses.
• Discipline against other California professional licenses, such as a contractor or architect’s license.

Adverse History Disclosures on License Renewal Forms

We also aid land surveyor license applicants in the license application process.  Issues that give rise to problems in professional engineer license applications include criminal convictions or a prior history of discipline with another licensing board or other California licensing agency. Adverse actions such as convictions and other license discipline may be subject to mandated reporting by the BPELS on the license renewal form.

Expertise in all Aspect of License and Regulatory Issues

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for land surveyors in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

• Mandated disclosures
• Citations
• Cease and Desist Letters
• Board Investigations
• Denial of Land Surveyor-In-Training (LSIT) Certification
• Denial of a Land Surveyor’s License
• Problems with Experience Forms
• Defense from an Accusation
• Administrative Hearing
• Petition for Reconsideration after an Adverse Decision
• Writ of Administrative Mandamus (Appeal) after a Loss at Administrative Hearing
• Relief from a Default Judgment
• Modification of Discipline
• Petition for Reinstatement of a Lost License

Common Questions from Land Surveyors for Ray & Bishop

I’ve been contacted by a Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors investigator.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  Any statements you make to an investigator can become admissions that can be used against you later in court.  An attorney can step between you and the investigator and perform many important tasks, including clearing up misunderstandings, proactively addressing agency concerns, stopping intrusive and oppressive harassment by investigators, and facilitating communication between a contractor and investigator in a manner that is managed, documented and controlled.

How should I reveal a past problem on an application or license renewal form?
Truthfully and carefully.  We understand the tools that the BPELS will use to detect adverse events and fact check your application or renewal form for honesty and accuracy.  We know the rules for what must be disclosed and what need not be disclosed.  If an explanation is required, we can assist with important strategic and messaging considerations to minimize the danger of denial or discipline resulting from the disclosure.

I just received a letter denying my license application.  What’s my recourse?
If you receive a letter from the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors denying a license, that license likely requires a request for hearing to be filed within 60 days or the denial will become final and the right to a hearing will be waived.  It is best to promptly contact Ray & Bishop for a consultation to review the letter, before an important deadline passes.

I’ve received an Accusation.  What’s my next step?
You have only 15 days from the date the Accusation was sent to you (not from the date you received it) to file the Notice of Defense.  This matter should be turned over to an attorney as quickly as possible so that this deadline is met and the filing of the Notice of Defense is documented with proof of filing.

I’ve received a Citation for a fine.  Can I fight it?
Under the Administrative Procedure Act, a land surveyor can have an administrative hearing to defend against a BPELS fine.  Fine amounts can be substantial.  Citations and fines are posted to the land surveyor’s license record, which can encourage consumer complaints and cost work opportunities.

How do I pay for an attorney?
We accept all major credit cards, bank debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.  Interest-free payment plans may be available in some circumstances.